What is the Lake District?

The Lake District is a rural region of England located in County Cumbria. This area is tucked away in the Northwestern part of England, and it has been popular with visitors for centuries. In the 1950s, the British government realized the value of the Lake District as a cultural and ecological site, and it began to take steps to protect it while also promoting it as one of England's natural wonders. Visitors to England often enjoy making time to see the Lake District, and the region is also popular with Britons.

As one might imagine from the name, the Lake District has a lot of lakes, with 15 major lakes and numerous smaller bodies of water. The area is also home to the Cumbrian Mountains, which include Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, along with numerous other notable peaks. In 1951, much of the area was protected by the government with the creation of the Lake District National Park, and the government has actively pursued land use policies in the area which contribute to preservation.

Many examples of rural life can be seen in the District, as the district houses working dairy farms and sheep farms along with small communities. The area is also popular for recreation. People can hike on the fells, as the mountains are known, and they can also cycle on numerous bike paths, or swim and boat in the lakes of the region. Lake District National Park is the largest National Park in England, and there is lots of room for everyone to enjoy the region.

The landscape of the Lake District is rugged and there are numerous sweeping and stunning views across the District which can be seen from various points along the regional paths and trails. Archaeologists are very active in the Lake District, and their sites are sometimes open to members of the public who are interested in the rich history of Britain. Visitors can stay in numerous inns and bed and breakfasts, and camping is also available for people who would prefer to rough it.

In addition to being famous for its natural beauty, the Lake District also enjoys a formidable reputation in the English arts. Wordsworth and Coleridge both wrote extensively about the Lake District, as did other poets who are collectively known as the Lake Poets. The region also appears in numerous paintings, etchings, and drawings, as it has been a source of inspiration for artists for centuries.